Exploring the complexity of cross-boundary data collaboratives based on the foundation of governmental open data: A study in Taiwan

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of data-driven collaborative partnerships based on governmental open data. Some government agencies are attempting to form cross-boundary data collaboratives with actors and organizations from other sectors to tackle public issues and develop innovative applications. While research focusing on cross-boundary data collaboratives remains limited, this study explores the dynamics and complexity of related initiatives in the context of Taiwan's open government data using a qualitative research approach. This study identifies and discusses the motivations, forms, and influential factors of cross-boundary data collaboratives with empirical data support. Specifically, this study explores the influential factors from four perspectives: data, organization, legislation, and environment. It is noted that government agencies and participants from other sectors can possess mixed combinations of motivations. Additionally, government agencies are still learning and adapting to the concept of cross-boundary data collaboratives, which represent both opportunities and challenges. Therefore, government agencies and participants from other sectors tend to maintain a flexible collaborative structure to retain a high level of autonomy and flexibility in respective initiatives. It is expected that the discussion and practical implications of this exploratory research can provide insights to both academic researchers and practitioners. The reported experiences in cross-boundary data collaboratives can also be valuable to government administrations in other countries.